Newcastle United’s Premier League rivals confirm shock managerial departure

Chelsea will have a new manager in the dugout when they visit Newcastle United in November after the Blues confirmed they had parted company with Thomas Tuchel.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain manager was named as successor to Frank Lampard in January 2021 and led the club to their second Champions League title by the end of the season.

A 1-0 win against Premier League rivals Manchester City saw Tuchel follow in the footsteps of Roberto Di Matteo in helping the Stamford Bridge club secure European football’s greatest prize.

The Blues also lifted the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup during Tuchel’s 20-month reign but Tuesday night’s Champions League defeat against Dinamo Zagreb proved to be his final game in charge.

A statement on the club’s official website explained the reasons behind the decision to dispense with Tuchel’s services.

It read: “As the new ownership group reaches 100 days since taking over the Club, and as it continues its hard work to take the club forward, the new owners believe it is the right time to make this transition.

“On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, the club would like to place on record its gratitude to Thomas and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the club.

“Thomas will rightly have a place in Chelsea’s history after winning the Champions League, the Super Cup and Club World Cup in his time here.”

Tuchel becomes the second Premier League manager to depart so far this season after former United captain Scott Parker left Bournemouth last week.